THERE was surprise and disappointment for local health chiefs as the Health Secretary announced the latest round of health action zones.

Bexley and Greenwich Health Authority had been asked by Frank Dobson to apply for the second round of the health initiative which brings together a variety of groups to improve the health of local people.

The authority had high hopes it would be one of the 15 chosen to develop full proposals.

Instead it was one of the 19 left off the list, which was announced last week.

Health authority chief executive Michael Kerin said: "We are surprised and disappointed that Bexley and Greenwich has not been included. It is a great pity that the area that will be the focus of the millennium celebrations and which contains one of the highest levels of deprivation in the country will not be included in this innovative scheme."

The police, probation service, housing associations, companies, local colleges, the employment service and local companies were all also involved in the bid.

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